TIM HOWARD is confident England will be in safe hands tonight when Joleon Lescott makes his expected full debut in Russia.

The Everton left-back has emerged as favourite to replace the injured Ashley Cole for the Euro 2008 qualifier that could seal England’s place in the finals in Austria and Switzerland if they avoid defeat.

Lescott looks set to benefit from a defensive crisis that has seen both Cole and John Terry ruled out of tonight’s crucial clash after the captain picked up a knee injury in training yesterday.

Goodison goalkeeper Howard has watched first-hand Lescott’s development from Premier League novice to full international in the space of just 14 months since he was signed from Wolves.

Although signed as a centre-back, Lescott’s impressive performances filling in at full-back look to have convinced England coach Steve McClaren to give him the nod over Everton team-mate Phil Neville and Reading’s Nicky Shorey.

Howard said: “Joleon was injured when Wolves were in the Premier League so when he came to Everton people

wondered how he was going to do and he showed everybody how good he was.

“I have all the confidence in the world in him because when you pay behind him you have no doubts.

“His performances from day one have certainly merited an England call-up and the word is he will start in Moscow. So I’m excited for him.”

It didn’t take long for Howard, who joined Everton at around the same time as Lescott in summer last year, to recognise the 25-year-old’s defensive qualities.

But after waiting until April of last season to score his first goal for Everton, Lescott has displayed an almost prolific eye for goal at the other end of the field.

He is the leading scorer in the current campaign with five goals in 12 games and the way he has adapted to his attacking responsibilities when playing out wide has taken Howard aback.

“He has surprised me in what he has shown for Everton at left-back,” added the American. “He gets that big frame going forward and I didn’t think he had it in him. You wonder where it comes from.

“It must surprise defenders as well because they must be thinking ‘there’s no way this guy can do a stepover’. Then bang, he does it.

“He’s got the ability and physical size to be a tremendous defender and he shows that but he has composure going forward too.

“But I’ve always said to him it can only benefit you playing at left-back, and play where you’re asked to play.

“If England want to play you up front, you do it.”

David Moyes also revealed his delight with Lescott’s promotion to the England starting line-up.

And the Everton manager thinks it reflects the progress that not only the individual player is making, but his squad as a whole.

Moyes said: “We all hope Joe will be involved and it will be great for Everton if he can become a regular in the England side.”